How Ultrasonic Leak Detection Works
During a leak, a fluid (liquid or gas) moves from high pressure.
As it passes through the leak site a turbulent flow is generated
This turbulence has strong ultrasonic components which are heard
through headphones and seen as intensity increments on the meter.
It can be generally noted that the larger the leak, the greater
the ultrasound level
Heat Exchangers, Boilers and Condensers
Leak detection of heat exchangers, boilers and condensers most
often involves inspection of three generic areas: tubes, tube sheets
and housings. The Ultraprobe can be used to detect leaks three
ways: pressure leaks, vacuum leaks or by utilizing a unique ultrasonic
tone transmission method.
While it may be necessary to take a unit off-line to inspect for
leaks, with ultrasound, it is often possible to perform an inspection
while on-line or at partial load,
Bearing and Mechanical Inspection
Inspection of mechanical equipment with ultrasonic instruments
such as the Ultraprobe has many advantages. Ultrasound inspection
provides early warning of bearing failure, detects lack of lubrication,
prevents over lubrication and can be used on high as well as low
speed bearings. In addition, since ultrasound is a high frequency,
short wave signal, it is possible to filter out stray, confusing
background noises and focus on the specific item to be inspected.
Valve and Steam Trap Inspection
When valves or steam traps leak or are failed closed, it can be
extremely costly in terms of product quality, safety and energy
loss. Valve operation effects the way fluids will flow through
a system There are great differences in the way particular valves
and steam traps work. The Ultraprobe makes it easy to adjust for
these differences and readily determine operating conditions while
valves and traps are on-line
Electrical Inspection
When electrical apparatus such as switch gear, transformers, insulators
or pot heads and splices fail, the results can be catastrophic.
This is just as true in industrial plants as it is in the power
transmission and distribution side. Electrical discharges such
as arcing, tracking or corona are all potential for equipment failure.
In addition, the problems of RFI and IVI impact on our valuable
communication networks. All these conditions produce ultrasound
and are detected with the Ultraprobe.
Compressor Inspection
Compressors are the heart of any compressed gas system. Routine
inspection and maintenance can prevent unplanned downtime. Although
any type of compressor can be inspected ultrasonically, the most
common applications center around larger reciprocating types. Specifically,
valve function in these compressors is critical Minor valve leaks
can rapidly lead to large leaks which can effect production and
impact on plant safety.
